Format: Article

“That tea is fire!” If you are thinking the herb beverage is hot, you are probably not a Gen Zer. According to a Business Insider story, Gen Zers use the term “tea” to refer to gossip, the way a Boomer may refer to “the skinny;” and the word “fire” refers to something “cool” or “groovy.” If you came across an article reading “Level Up: 10 Valentine’s Day Musts for a Lewk That’s Lit,” would you take interest in the product or turn the other way in confusion?

A similar concept holds for charities and donors. We need to be aware not only of what charities say but also of what potential donors hear. When it comes to the term “charity impact,” it turns out different generations may respond to different messages.

Recently, BBB Wise Giving Alliance released the Give.org Donor Trust Special Report: Charity Impact. This study was based on an online survey of 2,100 adults across the United States and more than 1,000 adults in Canada. When asked to consider possible definitions for the term “charity impact,” survey participants were split, with significant generational differences. For example, Gen Zers are most likely to define “charity impact” as “organizations reaching defined goals”; Millennials were most likely to select “how efficient the organization was in its spending” (27%), and Matures most frequently select “the quality of programs” (26%).

While generational language differences are to be expected, it is important for charities to recognize that common terms used in appeals and other communications may need to adapt to different potential interpretations, especially for recently popular terms such as “charity impact” which do not have a universal definition. For the “charity impact” term, one way to avoid such misunderstanding is to identify intended meaning when including this language in solicitations, websites, or other mediums. This type of linguistic transparency helps foster common comprehension for a wider audience.

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Video of the Week

 As part of the Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring NancyJo Houk, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, American Indian College Fund (a BBB Accredited Charity) which works to help Native people by providing them with access to higher education. AICF awarded $7.72 million in scholarships to 3,900 American Indian students in 2018-19. AICF also provides financial and programmatic support for the needs of 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities, ranging from capital support to cultural preservation curricula. 

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Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Part 2 an interview with Bob Johansen, a Distinguished Fellow with the Institute for the Future and frequent keynote speaker who has spent more than 30 years helping organizations around the world prepare for and shape the future. 

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Boys and Girls Clubs of America
• Muscular Dystrophy Association

• Feeding America

In our day-to-day interactions with charities, many of us hear about the importance of informing supporters about charity impact. While it’s no surprise that some donors want to know their contributions are helping to accomplish great things, has anyone stopped to find out if the term “charity impact” means different things to different people? Last week, BBB’s Give.org released a Donor Trust Special Report on Charity Impact, that, in part, seeks to answer that question.

One of the inspirations for this survey research was whether an idea intended for a subset of donor types has turned into an assumption about what all individual donors look for when they want to help a charity make a difference. Despite all the dialogue around charity impact, little is understood about how individual donors view the issue. Our findings show that almost half (47%) of adult Americans are unclear about what “charity impact” means. Moreover, respondents with different giving levels were split about how to best describe the term. People of giving levels between $51 and $5,000, for example, were most likely to define “charity impact” as “organizations reaching defined goals.” People who donated more than $5,000 were most likely to define “charity impact” in terms of “how efficient the organization was in its spending.”

We suspect that donor confusion may be grounded by a lack of clarity when some charity appeals reference “impact” but don’t take the time to explain what is intended. For a term that is so important and charged among sector professionals, we believe the lesson is twofold: (1) There is no single, universal definition of this term and (2) Charities seeking to avoid misinterpretation in their appeals would be wise to explain what they mean by “impact” when they choose to use this word in their communications and fundraising messages.

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Video of the Week

 As part of the Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Christopher Banks, President & CEO, Autism Society (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks  to advance the dignity, self-sufficiency, independence and quality of life of all living with autism. The organization works to accomplish this through advocacy, education, a national call center, support groups, training, resource updates, national, local and state leadership, neighbor helping neighbor efforts, lifespan support, adult transition, early diagnosis, and early education therapy.

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Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Bob Johansen, a Distinguished Fellow with the Institute for the Future and frequent keynote speaker who has spent more than 30 years helping organizations around the world prepare for and shape the future.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• American Brain Foundation
• Movember Foundation
• Younique Foundation

Pride Month takes place in June as communities across the country engage in a variety of activities and events to recognize the contributions and impact of LGBTQ+ individuals and the freedom to live with equality. For generous Americans seeking to show their support by donating to charities addressing LGBTQ+ issues, BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., those that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.)  Here are some tips to consider in choosing which groups to support.

Diversity of purposes.

These organizations include a wide variety of missions and objectives. Some seek to offer scholarships, leadership training or other academic pursuits. Others develop and present artistic productions. Some seek to address various health issues such as AIDS or crisis intervention; others are focused on advocacy, information, and public policy issues. Some organizations are solely focused on LGBTQ+ issues, while others may only have one of the programs addressing this subject. The key point is that the charity’s name does not always reveal the full nature of programs being addressed. Review the groups’ websites and materials to gain a better grasp of their activities.

Cause Marketing Cautions.

During Pride Month, some organizations may partner with businesses in cause marketing activities. This involves a promotion of a good or service announcing that a portion of sales will be contributed to a specified LGBTQ+ charity. If so, make sure the promotion is transparent and specifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 5 cents for every box of cereal sold.) Not all advertisements are clear on this point and some use vague language such as “profits” or unspecified “proceeds” will go to a charity. See this previous blog for additional details on this subject.

Accountability Confirmation.

During Pride Month, BBB Wise Giving Alliance also urges donors to verify the trustworthiness of LGBTQ+ organizations by finding out if the organization meets the BBB Charity Standards. These standards address a variety of issues including charity governance, finances, results reporting, and appeal accuracy. The comprehensive approach reflected in these standards serve both donors and charities in helping to ensure a transparent and honest charitable marketplace.

The following are BBB Accredited Charities that address LGBTQ+ issues. Some are national in scope, while others carry out regional efforts.

Aid for AIDS International  

AIDS Foundation Houston   

AIDS Volunteers   

amfAR Foundation for AIDS Research   

Boulder County AIDS Project   

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS   

Cascade AIDS Project   

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center 

Encircle: LGBTQ Family and Youth Resource Center   

Flying House Productions  

Gay Men’s Health Crisis   

Housing Works   

Human Rights Watch  

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center  

Montrose Center  

NYC Anti-Violence Project  

Point Foundation   

SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders    

Trevor Project 

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Video of the Week

As part of the building trust video series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Kari Rosbeck, President and CEO, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (also known as the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.) This is a BBB Accredited Charity that supports research into the diagnosis, cause, management, and cure of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The organization also provides individuals with TSC and their families with direct access to information, resources, and specialists experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management of TSC.

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Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Sam Cobbs, the President and CEO of the Tipping Point Community which seeks to improve lives in the Bay Area and chart a new path for philanthropic organizations. Tipping Point has invested nearly $300 million for housing, early childhood, education, and employment solutions in the Bay Area.  

Recent Reports

On May 31^st, Memorial Day, we are reminded of those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some of us will seek to honor and respect those who gave the ultimate sacrifice by donating to charities that address a variety of issues and needs facing veterans, military service members and/or their families. BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice to help donors make wise giving decisions to such organizations:

• Watch Out for Name Confusion. Some veterans charities include the same words in different order or slightly different form. So, be alert and make sure the organization you are considering is the one you want to support.
• Identify What They Do. Don’t assume what the veterans organization does based on their name alone. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.
• Be Cautious on Phone Appeals. If not managed properly, some telemarketing campaigns for veterans organizations can be an expensive way to raise funds with very little going to the organization. If called, do not hesitate to ask for written information or visit the group’s website to find out about its programs and finances before making a giving decision.
• Be Wary of Excessive Pressure.  Don’t be pressured to make an immediate on-the-spot donation to a veterans organization. Charities will welcome your gift whenever you want to send it.
• Learn How Donated Items Will Be Used. Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing and other in-kind gifts. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement to get a flat fee for every household pick-up, no matter what the contents.
• Check Outside Sources Before Giving: In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office.

The following organizations meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.) See the reports in the respective links.

America’s VetDogs – The Veteran’s K-9 Corps
Armed Services YMCA of the USA
Blinded Veterans Association
Blue Star Families
Boot Campaign
Boulder Crest Retreat Foundation
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Foundation
Code of Support Foundation
Corporate America Supports You
Disabled American Veterans
EOD Warrior Foundation
Green Beret Foundation
Homes for Our Troops
Honor Flight Network
K9s for Warriors
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Military Spouse Corporate Career Network
Military with PTSD
National Military Family Association
Operation First Response
Operation Homefront
Puppy Jake Foundation
Soldiers’ Angels
Team Red, White & Blue
Travis Manion Foundation
USA Cares
USO
Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children
VFW Foundation
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Family Support

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to provide a video interview of David Barringer, CEO, National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to help millions of people each year through home visits, housing assistance, disaster relief, job training, food pantries, clothing, care for the elderly, and other charitable activities.

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Heart of Giving Podcast 

This week’s podcast features an interview with Lisa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM! (a BBB Accredited Charity) who discusses the important of equal access to safe play places for kids.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Delivering Good
• Friends of Animals
• Pencils of Promise

 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

 

Across the U.S, as communities experience the lift of restrictions on businesses, restaurants and public spaces, they are likely to see the resurgence of charity fundraising activities. In anticipation of this growth, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips for small businesses as they consider requests to help a variety of charitable efforts.

First, Check Out the Charity
If a small business agrees to place a charity fundraising item in their store or parking lot, patrons are likely going to assume that the retailer has checked out the charity and verified its validity. This is all the more reason for businesses to check out charities at Give.org or with the BBB serving their area to see if there is a report specifying that the organization meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. At a minimum, one should verify that the organization is registered to solicit in the state. About 40 states in the U.S. require charities to register with a state government agency usually a division of the Attorney General’s office or the Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Canisters, Coin-cards and Candy Boxes on the Counter
Probably one of the oldest charitable giving traditions, is the slotted, tin-canister placed on a retail counter or its cousin, the coin-card, where donors can insert their change for the specified charitable group. Businesses should make sure the promotion clearly identifies which charity is being helped, the organization’s mission, and a place to get more information such as the charity’s website. Businesses should also make sure there is a clear procedure specified about who will be responsible for sending collected funds to the organization, with what frequency and who to contact if a problem comes up about the fundraising.

Clothing Donation Bins in the Parking Lot
If a charity wants to place a large, metal clothing donation bin in the parking lot or other accessible area for patrons, this request should probably get scrutiny for a number of reasons. Unless told otherwise, donors may assume that contributions of used clothing will be shared with needy families, the reality may be quite different. In some cases, collected clothing may be sorted and sold in thrift stores, sold overseas, or turned into rag-bond paper. The business should ask the requesting charity for details about how donations will be used and make sure that the bin clearly labels the charity’s name and where to get more information. Responsible groups also will post information on the bin about the nature of the programs being supported. Perhaps, most importantly, the business should ask the charity about how often the bins will be emptied, and who to contact if donations begin to spill over the top. A messy collection bin can be an eye sore for patrons and will likely reduce the incentive of others to participate.

Cause Marketing Transparency
Some retailers may seek to promote consumer traffic by engaging in promotions that promise an announced portion of sales will be contributed to a specified charity. If so, see the previous blog which discusses this type of fundraising. Among other things, businesses should make sure they obtain written permission from the selected charity to use their name and include a disclosure in advertising that specifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 50 cents for every meal purchased at the restaurant will be donated to ABC charity during June up to $1,000.)

These are just some of the fundraising approaches that businesses may be asked to support. If handled responsibly, this can be an opportunity to help charities, generate goodwill and expand community outreach. For additional, help and guidance, visit Give.org or the BBB serving your area at the bbb.org website.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video interview with Darlene Allen, CEO and Executive Director of Adoption Rhode Island, a BBB Accredited Charity that finds forever families for children in state care and provides support throughout the adoption process such as child, youth and family support services, education, training, advocacy and referrals.

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with one of the most respected philanthropic leaders, Hilary Pennington, the Executive Vice President of Programs, Ford Foundation. Tune in to learn about the Ford Foundation’s work. As noted by Ms. Pennington, “Leaders [who have been on the margin] have a unique diagnosis, not only of what needs to change, but of the future they want to build.”

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• CRU
• Doctors Without Borders USA
• Fonkoze USA

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

 

Cause-related marketing refers to promotions that sell products or services to consumers with the announcement that some of the purchase price will help a specified charity. This type of advertising has been around for quite some time, but its modern birth is often identified as the American Express promotion in the early 1980s that promised to contribute to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation one cent for every card transaction and a dollar for every new card it issued. It was a significant success and many other corporations quickly followed with their own version of this charitable marketing combination.

For consumers, we encourage them to look for advertising disclosures that are transparent and inform the buyer how much they are helping the charity by making a purchase. As called for in BBB Charity Standard 19, the promotion should specify the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will help the charity (for example, 5 cents for every box of cereal sold.) Not all advertisements are clear on this point and some use vague language such as “proceeds” or “profits” will go to a charity. In addition, if there is some time limit on the campaign (i.e., during the month of October) or guaranteed minimum /or maximum amount that can be raised (i.e., up to $200,000), those points should also be included in the promotional disclosure.

For businesses seeking to adopt this marketing method, in addition to the transparency of the disclosure language, they should make sure they have a written agreement with the charity to use their name and/or trademark logo. This agreement should be signed off by both parties and is sound business practice for businesses large and small that engage in this advertising. The agreement should also make clear how and when funds will be disbursed to the charity partner.

A charity should review drafts of the promotional references to its name to help ensure that advertising materials are accurate and include the recommended disclosures. It is best to incorporate this as a requirement in a written agreement with the business collaborating in the campaign.

Of course, we also recommend that participants should check each other out. Is the business accredited by the BBB? Does the charity meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability? Visit bbb.org and Give.org for additional assistance. 

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Kelly Waters, Executive Director, Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides education, advocacy and community support for individuals impacted by inherited bleeding disorders. Educational opportunities offered by the organization include an annual education meeting, information delivered via VHF’s Facts N’ Factors newsletter and social media outlets, and scholarship opportunities. VHF participates in national and federal advocacy initiatives, such as the VHF’s “Richmond Days” and the National Hemophilia Foundation’s “Washington Days.”

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features an interview with Ranjani Saigal, Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA. She discusses the shocking situation in India where people are struggling to survive a devastating second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic and she explains how Ekal is providing support to the rural areas of the country where help and resources are limited. Click Here to Listen.

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (aka Mental Health Month). The stress, grief and anxiety associated with coping with COVID-19 for over a year are to be expected. A year ago, the pandemic caused nearly 100,000 American deaths which have since climbed to over 575,000. But we also need to be aware that these circumstances can lead to mental illness. In an article about COVID-19 and Mental Health the National Institute for Mental Health noted several weeks ago that “In the immediate wake of a traumatic experience, large numbers of affected people report distress, including new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Most people will recover, though that recovery can take some time. A notable fraction of people will develop chronic symptoms severe enough to meet criteria for a mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder.” Those who are experiencing stress symptoms should seek help and be open with their primary physician about the potential need for professional assistance, if warranted. Perhaps one of the silver linings of coping with COVID-19 is the increased awareness of mental health issues and the importance of obtaining help in seeking recovery. There is no vaccination for mental health.

For those seeking BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that address mental health issues, here are some to consider. Keep in mind that as organizations address these issues in different ways, we encourage potential donors to review the program descriptions appearing on their websites.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (aka NARSAD) operates a grant program that funds scientific research into the causes, treatments, cures and prevention of chronic and severe mental illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental Health America works to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness. Mental wellness includes prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care services through advocacy, education, and research. The organization states that it collaborates with its 169 affiliates, supporters, and policymakers to advance federal legislation, regulations, and agency activities that promote its policy statements.

NAMI seeks to build better lives for Americans affected by mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. The organization’s trained volunteers oversee free peer-led education programs, skills training, and support sessions to community members.

Also, there are a number of veterans and military service organizations that address mental health issues. Some of the veterans groups, such as Wounded Warrior Project and Military with PTSD address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, seek help immediately. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org which is funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Dr. Neal D. Barnard, President of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (a BBB Accredited Charity) an organization that reports it combines its more than 12,000 physicians with its 175,000 members to promote nutritional interventions to prevent and combat chronic disease and advocate for technological advances in medical research and toxicology to replace the use of animals. Its primary care clinic, the Barnard Medical Center, specializes in diet-related chronic disease and integrates nutrition counseling into patient treatment protocols. The organization also works with governments, academics, corporations, and other stakeholders to devise alternatives to animal testing, press for global adoption of these methods, and train scientists in how to use them.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Environmental Defense Fund
• Girl Scouts of the USA
• Prevent Blindness

Finally, remember to let us know by going to www.give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance